Product details
- ISBN 9781836803058
- Dimensions: 144 x 222mm
- Publication Date: 30 Nov 2026
- Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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El Loco Celeste charts the trials and tribulations of Marcelo Bielsa’s three-year tenure as manager of the Uruguay national team, revealed match-by-match through the eyes of a Leeds United fanatic who refused to be ‘widowed’ by Bielsa’s exit from Elland Road. The journey undulates throughout: historic victories over Argentina and Brazil give way to heartbreak at the Copa America and a chronic loss of form in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. Off the pitch, things are even more turbulent, as Bielsa clashes with the hyper-critical Uruguayan press and a band of dissenting players who intensely scrutinise his methods and philosophy. The author’s own adventure – following his idol to the ends of the earth – offers insight into South American football culture, the famed Uruguayan Garra Charrúa spirit, and entertaining anecdotes, including an hour-long encounter with Bielsa himself. A potted history of Bielsa’s career is woven throughout, to forge an intimate portrait of a footballing enigma – the celestial El Loco.
El Loco Celeste is Rocco Dean’s seventh book, following a series of titles covering different eras of ups and downs at his beloved Leeds United. A season-ticket holder at Elland Road since 1992, he began writing during the 2020 Covid lockdown, developing an easy-reading style that blends detailed factual reporting with emotional and reflective commentary. Rocco has been a presenter on the Leeds, That! podcast since 2021.
